Hustle

What is Hustle?

Hustle is a lively partner dance that first took shape in New York City’s nightclubs in the 1970s. It is most often danced by couples to disco music, but group and line forms also exist. The dance is known for its quick, syncopated steps and turns, with moves that echo mambo and salsa. Dancers move fluidly around the floor, often improvising spins and arm movements, making the dance visually dynamic and energetic.

Where does Hustle come from?

Hustle began in the early 1970s among Puerto Rican teenagers in the South Bronx, who created the dance as an alternative to slower, grinding styles. Originally called the Spanish hustle, it evolved as disco music gained popularity, with influences from Latin and Black communities across New York. The dance spread rapidly through house parties and clubs, and by the mid-1970s, it was known as the Latin hustle and later the New York hustle. The release of Van McCoy’s hit song 'The Hustle' and the film Saturday Night Fever helped turn it into a worldwide phenomenon.

How is Hustle danced?

The hustle is danced in pairs, with partners facing each other and moving in sync. The basic step uses a six-beat pattern counted as '&1 2 3 &1 2 3', with the lead starting on the left foot. The dance includes a variety of turns, such as inside and outside spins, wraps, and side breaks. Movements are quick and smooth, with dancers often improvising arm styling and footwork. The dance floor pattern is flexible, allowing couples to travel or stay in place, and the style is adaptable to the tempo of disco music.

The music of Hustle

Hustle is performed to disco tracks, typically in 4/4 time with a steady, driving beat. Songs like Van McCoy’s 'The Hustle' and other 1970s disco hits are classic choices. The rhythm is syncopated, matching the dance’s quick steps and turns. While no specific instruments are required for the dance, it is closely tied to the sound of disco, which often features bass, drums, strings, and electronic keyboards.

Costume and what is carried

There is no set costume for the hustle, but dancers often wear club or party attire typical of the disco era. Outfits may include flared pants, dresses, or shirts with bold patterns, reflecting the style of 1970s nightlife. Comfortable shoes suitable for spinning and quick footwork are common.

When and where Hustle is danced

Hustle is mainly danced at social gatherings, nightclubs, and dance parties, especially those with disco music. It became a staple of New York’s club scene in the 1970s and spread to dance competitions and performances. The dance is taught in studios and continues to be enjoyed at social dance events around the world.

Styles of Hustle

Several forms of hustle developed over time. The original version was a five-step dance with no turns, later evolving into the six-step Latin hustle. The New York hustle, also called the couple or partner hustle, became the most recognized form. There are also group and line versions, and the 'tango hustle' was created for the film Saturday Night Fever. Each style adapts the basic steps to different tempos and settings.

What Hustle means

Hustle holds a lasting place in dance culture as a symbol of the disco era and urban nightlife. It brought together diverse communities in New York and became a global social dance. The dance’s popularity was boosted by media, including television shows and films, and it remains part of the repertoire in social dance scenes. Hustle is remembered for its role in uniting people on the dance floor and continues to be celebrated in dance clubs and competitions.

Questions people ask about Hustle

Good reading and sources

• Hustle (dance) on WikipediaEncyclopedia
• Wikidata recordOpen data
• Videos of Hustle on YouTubeSearch results, not chosen by Ghungroo